What No One Tells You About Endometriosis

My Battle with Endometriosis

I have been battling a silent monster, once a month, every month, for the past ten years. To be honest, my diagnoses, as bleak as it is, was a relief. I was tired of being told it was just my depression, anxiety, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Based on symptoms its a pretty safe guess that I have had endometriosis since starting my period at 12. I can say that I am luckily one of the endo girls that has been fortunate enough to only get a “knock you on your ass” type of period every blue moon. I did however, have a host of other symptoms that I initially just chopped up to being a woman. The chronic fatigue zapped away my social life, the mood swings made me unbearable, and the cramps, oh the cramps!

Common Signs of Endometriosis

Pain (usually pelvic) that usually occurs just before menstruation and lessens after menstruation

Painful sexual intercourse

Cramping during intercourse

Cramping or pain during bowel movements or urination

Infertility

Pain with pelvic examinations

lower abdominal pain,

diarrhea and/or constipation,

low back pain,

chronic fatigue

irregular or heavy menstruation,

painful urination, or

bloody urine (particularly during menstruation).

Symptoms I experienced in red *

Non-Common Symptoms with Endometriosis

Low Progesterone, High Estrogen– Endo is an estrogen dominant disease, and low progesterone can lead to serious mood swings. Due to the endometriosis, I had MAJOR PMS and I honestly did not notice just how bad it was until I moved in with my best friend. One day she called me out about being a complete bitch to her for no reason and asked was I about to start my period. In that moment I realized how badly my cycle was affecting my mood.

Food Intolerances- Dairy and gluten are not friends of mine.

Chronic Digestive Issues- Some days on my period I would be screaming in pain trying to use the bathroom. A nurse practitioner I used to see attributed it to me being depressed over the loss of my sister and IBS.

Lower Back and Leg Pain- When I would start my cycle my legs would just randomly start hurting or go numb, it was the weirdest thing.

Yeast Infections and Candida Overgrowth– This one was possibly the worst! Consequently, it started after I became sexually active. The very first yeast infection I got I thought was an STD and I literally had a meltdown.

Bladder Infections and UTI’s- Bladder infections, UTI’s, Kidney Infection, Kidney stones, high liver enzymes, you name it, I had it.

I experienced all of these*

Endometriosis has played a huge part in life and my overall health. I am curious to see if surgery will improve the debilitating symptoms I experience every month because of my period.

Discussion: Do you have bad PMS or have you been diagnosed with endometriosis? What are some of the things that you do to help alleviate PMS symptoms?

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6 comments on “What No One Tells You About Endometriosis”

Sadly enough, I know and understand the reality of what you are going through. I don’t think people understand that it is not something easily explained and that while physically you feel like WTH, it takes a toll on your mental and everyday life. I changed my diet, and some of the products I used and now I am endo-free. I am pretty holistic/natural. I just want to let you know, if you need to talk or have any questions, I am here 100%. Don’t let this get you down girl!

Yes! Now that Im adjusting after surgery its like learning my body all over again. My true self without the endo, and its so weird. I definitely appreciate having someone to talk to about this as I dont know anyone else personally who has it. Thank you for reading!

I would have pressed the like button but this isn’t a good thing. I can’t even imagine what your going through. Plus I’m a man so ya… I’ll never no. But I prey you get well or atlest lower the symptoms of your pain. Keep your head up shortry! And thinks for my lesson for today.

WOW, I didn’t know about it being connected to pain with Bowels or urination. I actually went to the ER in so much pain not knowing why, and I literally ended up using the bathroom and only then did I even START to feel ok. Thank you for sharing! If we talked about these things more, it would help us so much in the long run.